Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 02:29 PM.

You can travel across the world this weekend, and you won’t even need a passport. The Gaston String Orchestra is joining the Gaston Symphonic Band to offer two free “European Holiday: A Musical Tour” concerts.

Friday’s performance is in Gastonia, and Saturday’s is in Clover. This is the first time that the Gaston Symphonic Band has offered back-to-back performances, and the first time it’s gone outside of Gaston County for a concert, said band member Daron Dwyer and 2013-14 band president Bob Lowder.

“We’re looking to expand our audience, and by playing 20 miles closer to some people, we hope to draw a new audience,” Dwyer said. “It helps us build bridges. We’re bringing communities together. It’s something that’s around our vision.”

As another first, the Little Theater of Gastonia will be joining the two groups for the concerts. Kimm Santa, Carol Taylor and Shane Elks will act as tour guide and tourists, introducing the music and countries to the audience.

John Gunter, with the Gaston Symphonic Band, and Saxon Scarborough, with the Gaston String Orchestra, will alternate as conductor for the concerts. The musicians will play pieces from all over Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Austria, Russia and Spain. Audience members will hear selections from “The Sound of Music” by Richard Rodgers, “An American in Paris Suite” by George Gershwin and several other selections.

“This is the last indoor concert that we have for the season. We’re trying to make it a good one,” Lowder said.

You can travel across the world this weekend, and you won’t even need a passport. The Gaston String Orchestra is joining the Gaston Symphonic Band to offer two free “European Holiday: A Musical Tour” concerts.

Friday’s performance is in Gastonia, and Saturday’s is in Clover. This is the first time that the Gaston Symphonic Band has offered back-to-back performances, and the first time it’s gone outside of Gaston County for a concert, said band member Daron Dwyer and 2013-14 band president Bob Lowder.

“We’re looking to expand our audience, and by playing 20 miles closer to some people, we hope to draw a new audience,” Dwyer said. “It helps us build bridges. We’re bringing communities together. It’s something that’s around our vision.”

As another first, the Little Theater of Gastonia will be joining the two groups for the concerts. Kimm Santa, Carol Taylor and Shane Elks will act as tour guide and tourists, introducing the music and countries to the audience.

John Gunter, with the Gaston Symphonic Band, and Saxon Scarborough, with the Gaston String Orchestra, will alternate as conductor for the concerts. The musicians will play pieces from all over Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Germany, Austria, Russia and Spain. Audience members will hear selections from “The Sound of Music” by Richard Rodgers, “An American in Paris Suite” by George Gershwin and several other selections.

“This is the last indoor concert that we have for the season. We’re trying to make it a good one,” Lowder said.